Seattle - Washington State - page 71

PIONEER SQUARE & THE INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT
The historic Pioneer Square area is Seattle's main nightlife district and can be a
pretty rowdy place on a Saturday night. By day, however, the area's many art gal-
leries and antiques stores attract a very different clientele. Still, even in the day-
light, be prepared to encounter a lot of street people. Warnings aside, this is one
of the prettiest corners of Seattle and the only downtown neighborhood with his-
toric flavor. The International District lies but a few blocks away from Pioneer
Square—again, a good place to explore by day but less appealing at night. There
is only one recommendable hotel in the area.
EXPENSIVE
Best Western Pioneer Square Hotel This hotel is located right in the
heart of the Pioneer Square historic district, Seattle's main nightlife neighborhood.
As such, things get especially raucous on weekend nights, and this hotel is only rec-
ommended for urban dwellers accustomed to dealing with street people and noise.
However, if you're in town to party (or to attend a Mariners or Seahawks game),
there's no more convenient location in the city. This economical hotel is also con-
venient to the waterfront streetcars and the Washington State Ferries terminal.
However, take care on the streets around here late at night. Guest rooms are, for
the most part, fairly small (some are positively cramped) but are furnished in an
attractive classic style.
77 Yesler Way, Seattle, WA 98104. & 800/800-5514 or 206/340-1234. Fax [phone]. www.pioneersquare.
com. 75 units. July-Sept $149-$219 double; Oct-June $119-$199 double. Rates include continental breakfast.
Children 12 and under stay free in parent's room. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Parking $15. Amenities: Access to nearby
health club; concierge; business center; limited room service; babysitting; laundry service; dry cleaning. In room:
A/C, TV, dataport, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, free local calls.
BELLTOWN & PIKE PLACE MARKET
Belltown, which extends north from Pike Place Market, has for several years
been Seattle's fastest-growing urban neighborhood, sprouting dozens of restau-
rants and several good hotels. If your Seattle travel plans include lots of eating
out at hip restaurants, then Belltown is the place to stay.
EXPENSIVE
Inn at the Market For romance, convenience, and the chance to
immerse yourself in the Seattle aesthetic, it's hard to beat this small, European-
style hotel in Pike Place Market. A rooftop deck overlooking the harbor provides
a tranquil spot to soak up the sun on summer afternoons. To make the most of
a stay here, be sure to ask for one of the water-view rooms, which have wide bay
windows that overlook Puget Sound. Even if you don't get a water-view room,
you'll still find spacious accommodations and large bathrooms. The decor is
tastefully elegant, with the feel of an upscale European beach resort. Campagne,
the hotel's formal main dining room, serves excellent southern French fare, while
Café Campagne offers country-style French food amid casual surroundings (see
“Where to Dine,” later in this chapter, for full reviews of both restaurants).
Bacco, open for breakfast and lunch, serves lighter meals.
86 Pine St., Seattle, WA 98101. & 800/446-4484 or 206/443-3600. www.innatthemarket.com. 70 units. $195-
$330 double; $499 suite. Children 18 and under stay free in parent's room. AE, DISC, MC, V. Parking $20. Ameni-
ties: 3 restaurants (country French, juice bar); access to nearby health club; concierge; courtesy downtown shut-
tle; limited room service; dry cleaning. In room:A/C, TV, dataport, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe.
MODERATE
Pensione Nichols It's never easy finding an economical downtown-area lodging
with character, but that's exactly what you'll discover at this European-style B&B,